Chapter 62

Yeming stood in front of the classroom door, took a deep breath, and tightly held the letter containing secrets that his mother had given him.

Yeming looked at the Yunshang men's clothing, his heart aching as if it were bleeding. Over eight thousand yuan, this was considered a top domestic brand. A regular set of Yunshang men's clothing, even the casual ones, typically cost more than six thousand yuan. Clearly, Fangfang had no intention of saving money for him and directly chose clothes in the eight-thousand-yuan range. Yeming naturally paid with his own card.

Seeing Yeming's pained expression, Fangfang became furious. "You're a star now, and you're at least a minor celebrity. Being stingy just won't do."

At this moment, Fangfang's eyes widened, and she bluntly criticized him, "You need to work hard and become a top-tier star, a big name. That way, you'll have endless designer clothes to wear, and brands will send you clothes. But before that, you should be a bit more honest."

Yeming remained indifferent. Indeed, without reaching the top tier, it was rare for brands to sponsor clothes.

The Red Flag Hall, the internal hall of the Director's Association, was where meetings were usually held. This celebration was also held here.

Today, the celebration was for Director Feng Xiaogang, but in reality, only Vice President Teng Wenji attended. The President was absent, perhaps due to some official business.

Moreover, Director Zhang Yimou did not come, and Director Chen Kaige, who had been knighted, naturally wouldn't come either.

The annual box office champion was taken by a young newcomer, which left the two big-name directors with no face to show.

They wouldn't come to support him, not even in their dreams.

In fact, only a few directors came, such as Lu Xuechang and Gu Changwei, who were already sitting there with smiles on their faces.

Naturally, they felt a bit jealous. To say a director doesn't want to be the annual box office champion is like pretending to be a fool. No director would want that.

But they hid their jealousy very well and wore a face of congratulations.

No one could see through their jealous thoughts.

Ning Hao, a young director, was also there. He was a newcomer, just following along to eat and drink, and to meet other directors. He couldn't hide his jealousy.

He kept looking at Feng Xiaogang and muttering to himself, "If I could reach this level, that would be success. I really envy Director Feng. Comedy seems to have a bright future."

At this moment, Ning Hao's resolve to develop in comedy was firmly set.

Another colleague bluntly said, "Ning Hao, can you make it? Look at Ge You on stage. His acting fee for one movie is the cost of two of your films. How can you afford it?"

In 1997, if you were to make a low-budget film, it would cost about 300,000 yuan, but the quality would be questionable.

However, there were exceptions. For example, "Blind Shaft," starring Wang Baoqiang, had a budget of less than 200,000 yuan, but it won Wang Baoqiang the Best New Actor award at the Golden Horse Awards.

Ning Hao said without losing heart, "One step at a time. I will succeed one day."

Yeming also noticed a very famous director, Guan Hu, who was known for his keen observation of the details of ordinary people's lives.

His work, "Survival, Migrant Workers," was an excellent realistic TV series.

Of course, there were about thirty people at the scene, all members of the Director's Association. Vice President Teng Wenji had some influence, and many people came at his call.

At this moment, Feng Xiaogang was beaming with joy, looking very festive. He smiled at everyone, and when he saw Yeming, he patted him and said, "Yeming, your performance in 'A World Without Thieves' was excellent. This isn't just my achievement; it's everyone's. You did a great job in the film. Many people have already inquired about you. I'll introduce you to a new friend as a token of my gratitude."

In a corner, Feng Xiaogang finally couldn't hold back his tears. How many sleepless nights he had endured, longing to one day stand tall and say he was a director.

How many people had mocked him, saying he lacked the talent to be a director and should stick to being a screenwriter.

He had struggled, wandered, and felt lost.

But he was not willing to give up. He had walked step by step and finally achieved success.

Looking at the heavy box office earnings and the substantial dividends, he had secured his place among the top directors in the country.

At this moment, many people outside envied and were jealous of him, but no one knew that Feng Xiaogang already had a new goal in mind.

Not just to be a top director, but to be on par with Zhang Yimou and Chen Kaige, the international big names.

Wiping away his tears, he looked at the beer in his hand, which had now been replaced with wine. Feng Xiaogang smiled mockingly, adjusted his emotions, and then returned to the hall with a smile.

Many envious eyes were waiting for him.

Teng Wenji gave a heartfelt speech on stage, concluding with, "This celebration is not just for Feng Xiaogang but also to encourage the revival of Chinese cinema. I hope everyone will make more good films. If you have good scripts, send them over, and the Director's Association will support you."

The main actors of "A World Without Thieves" also attended, as Feng Xiaogang intended. The success of the film was not just one person's achievement, and as a director, Teng Wenji understood this very well.

However, Ge You, representing the main actors, spoke briefly, saying only some polite words, thanking everyone, and ending with a line from the film: "1997 is gone, and I miss it."

Indeed, 1997 is gone, and it's not just Ge You who misses it.

There's also Feng Xiaogang, Yeming, Zhao Wei, Lin Xinru, Fan Bingbing, and the other members of "The Story of the Palace."

Memories, like the snow outside the window, fell and drifted into the unknown distance, forming the most beautiful scene.

Perhaps, at some point, people will remember 1997, a year filled with joy, sorrow, laughter, and tears.

After the meeting, Feng Xiaogang pulled Yeming aside and said, "Come, I'll introduce you to a friend. This might be an opportunity for you."

On the way, Yeming tried to ask who it was, but Feng Xiaogang wouldn't say, only promising that he wouldn't disappoint Yeming.

In a room at the Media Hotel, a man who wasn't yet too fat and wore glasses stood there. When Yeming saw him, he was shocked. This was Liu Weiqiang, a very famous director.

If there was anyone in Hong Kong who could rival directors like Xu Ke and Wong Kar-wai, it was this man.

Mentioning Liu Weiqiang's name, many fans might not be familiar, as he wasn't as famous as Xu Ke or Wong Kar-wai. However, his films were well-known. He directed the "Young and Dangerous" series, which established his status as a top director in Hong Kong. Later, he directed the "Infernal Affairs" trilogy, which was hailed as a revival of Hong Kong cinema.

Feng Xiaogang introduced him, "This is Director Liu Weiqiang from Hong Kong. He's here to select actors for his next film, Director Liu, this is Yeming."

Liu Weiqiang introduced himself, "My goal this time is to select some actors for my next film. I've met Wang Zhiming, and he's already set to play a role in the film. Since it's an action film, I need actors who exude a sense of dominance. Wang Zhiming fits the role well. After hearing Director Feng's recommendation, I wanted to meet you. I watched your performance in 'A World Without Thieves,' and it was excellent. I need an actor who can bring energy to the film. How is your martial arts?"

A familiar tune played, and the system displayed: "Triggered side mission: Audition for 'The Storm Riders: The World of Heroes.' Reward: 20 Acting Points, 20 Fame Points. Special Reward: One audition opportunity for 'Infernal Affairs.'"

The other rewards were fine, but the audition for "Infernal Affairs" was a rare opportunity.

"Infernal Affairs" was hailed as the pinnacle of Hong Kong cinema in the past decade.

Yeming silently vowed to seize this opportunity and immediately accepted it.

Liu Weiqiang picked up an apple with a "Xi" (喜) character and said, "The only requirement for this audition is your martial arts. I'll throw the apple, and if you can catch it, you win. Any method is acceptable."

This kind of audition surprised Feng Xiaogang. Wasn't an audition supposed to test acting skills?

Unexpectedly, Liu Weiqiang didn't throw the apple to Yeming but directly threw it out the window.

Seeing this, Feng Xiaogang's face turned sour. Was this a joke?

Throwing it out the window, ten floors up, was a death sentence.

But Yeming didn't hesitate. As Liu Weiqiang was about to throw the apple, Yeming darted forward, grabbed Liu Weiqiang's arm, and snatched the apple without hesitation.

Feng Xiaogang was even more stunned. The director was unreliable, and the actor was even more so.

What was going on here?

Yeming threw the apple into the air, caught it, and gently placed it on the fruit plate, then said, "Director, how about this? Am I qualified?"

Feng Xiaogang was speechless. Snatching the apple from the director, what was he thinking?

But Liu Weiqiang took out another apple with a "Xi" character, the one he truly intended to throw. Yeming had taken the "Cai" (财) character apple.

Liu Weiqiang had switched the apples halfway, but no one noticed.

Liu Weiqiang smiled, feeling very pleased.

So, he threw the apple out the window again.

This time, Yeming was at a loss. Liu Weiqiang had already thrown the apple before Yeming could react.

Ten floors up, the apple would definitely be smashed.

Following it down was unrealistic.

But at that moment, Yeming grabbed a long, thin apple knife near the fruit plate.

A flash of cold light, and the apple, just as it was about to fly out the window, was pinned to the wall by the knife. Yeming then retrieved the apple.

Unexpectedly, Liu Weiqiang slapped the table and said, "Not bad, not bad. You can adapt and move quickly. You must have practiced as a child, right?"

A martial arts actor would make filming much easier, and both Feng Xiaogang and Liu Weiqiang knew this.

So, Liu Weiqiang said, "Not bad. I didn't say you couldn't snatch the apple. If you have the skills, it's no big deal. I'm shooting a film based on a manga called 'The Storm Riders: The World of Heroes.' The lead actors are Zheng Yijian and Guo Fucheng. You have a martial arts background, so I hope we can work together well. I'll discuss the details with your agent."

The matter was settled. Feng Xiaogang and Liu Weiqiang chatted a bit, then left with Yeming.

As they were about to leave, Liu Weiqiang said, "Yeming, do you know why I chose you? I actually prefer actors from Taiwan or Hong Kong."

Yeming turned around and shook his head, "I don't know."

Liu Weiqiang said proudly, "I really like Jackson. Your performance has his shadow. So, you should thank two people: Jackson and Director Feng."

When Yeming told Fangfang, she was skeptical, "Liu Weiqiang, the director of 'Young and Dangerous'? You actually know Liu Weiqiang? That's impossible. Did you meet him during your training in Hong Kong? Otherwise, why would he choose you?"

Yeming laughed, "Why choose me? It's a matter of character. I have good character."

Fangfang bluntly said, "Don't get too cocky. It was Director Feng's recommendation, right? I was wondering why you haven't come back yet. I'll talk to Director Liu tomorrow."

Yeming was taken aback, "How did you know?"

Fangfang huffed, "What don't I know? Liu Weiqiang came to select actors and chose Wang Zhiming. It's not a secret in the industry. Of course, after seeing 'A World Without Thieves,' he visited Director Feng, who treated him to a meal. Without Director Feng's recommendation, you wouldn't have met Liu Weiqiang."

This shattered Yeming's pride. It was just Director Feng's recommendation.

Yeming said, "That's my strength. You don't know what kind of test Director Liu would use. He's very cunning. Most people wouldn't have passed, but I did."

The next day, Fangfang quickly settled the matter of "The Storm Riders: The World of Heroes."

Then, she took Yeming straight to the Beijing Hotel, where the representative of Beijing Beer was waiting impatiently.

Beijing Beer was no ordinary beer, an old brand with its own prestige.

The representative saw Yeming and Fangfang and said angrily, "What's going on? Making Manager Sun wait for you? Do you think you're top-tier stars, superstars?"

Fangfang checked the time, "We're not late. It's still five minutes before the scheduled time."

The representative said bluntly, "It's not about being late. Making Manager Sun wait is disrespectful. As artists, you should arrive early. Manager Sun doesn't like waiting. I'm not blaming you, but you should have arrived earlier. Another agent is already here talking to Manager Sun. Be careful."

Fangfang was unhappy, "How can you do this? You set the meeting with us, but you're seeing someone else. At least talk to us first."

The representative shrugged, "I can't help it. Manager Sun decided. If you have any questions, ask him. I can't explain. Just wait."

The representative left them in the hallway and walked away.

Fangfang was angry, "What's going on? What kind of attitude is this?"

Yeming laughed, "Sister Fang, don't be angry. It's just a common tactic to lower our price. You might not see it much in Hong Kong, but it's very common here. Don't get upset over it."